SAMI MOKBEL: Gareth Southgate will have plenty of offers once he decides his time with England is up

If tonight is Gareth Southgate’s last stand, don’t expect him to retire in a flurry of spontaneity.

Don’t expect him to resign in a toilet cubicle like Kevin Keegan did minutes after the loss to Germany at Wembley in 2000.

Don’t expect him to confirm his departure in the post-match press conference like Roy Hodgson after England’s humiliation against Iceland at Euro 2016.

Gareth Southgate (pictured) could decide to walk away from England if they lose to France

Southgate (pictured) may take some time to consider whether to honor his England contract

Southgate tends to take a more considered approach. It is unlikely that he will rush to make an announcement. Although if you talk to several people in football, the 52-year-old has already made his decision.

Expect him to communicate it on his own terms. That’s the least you deserve.

That said, it’s important to consider that England’s Euro 2024 qualifying campaign kicks off with a game against Italy in Naples on March 23.

The identity of the England manager, whether Southgate or someone else, will need to be defined well in advance of that trip.

But the position will need to be confirmed before England’s Euro 2024 qualifiers in March.

Southgate’s experience in the role makes him one of the most qualified people to do the job.

If Southgate decides to end the last 18 months of his contract it may require an extended period of reflection, although you can imagine he has a clear idea of ​​the direction he’s headed.

What is certain is that he is in full control of his destiny. The FA has no interest in getting rid of the most successful manager in this country since Sir Alf Ramsey.

The ball is in Southgate’s court. Uncertainty about your future, or more precisely someone’s unwillingness to dispel it, suggests that a decision must be made.

Talk to those close to Southgate and they’ll tell you that their focus has been so concentrated on the World Cup that they’ve had little time to think about anything else.

But it seems that he does not look too far into the future and is paralyzed at the 2022 World Cup.

Big tournaments are all-encompassing, especially here in Qatar where the turnaround between matches has been quicker than usual.

But it would be disingenuous to suggest that Southgate hasn’t thought about life after the World Cup. It is natural to push the mind further and prepare for the future.

Southgate will spend time collecting your thoughts and those of those whose opinions you value.

He is also expected to weigh in on the FA’s thoughts during a post-tournament briefing, though it’s clear where he stands.

“I think the sun will rise tomorrow and life will be the same no matter what,” Southgate replied when asked if tonight’s quarter-final against France would be his last World Cup game in charge of England.

Southgate (L) has also been in contact with some national teams inquiring about his availability.

It is partly Southgate’s reluctance to address the elephant in the room that has led to speculation about his future with England. But if you look closely, the clues are there.

The booing he received after the 4-0 loss to Hungary in June was disrespectful and idiotic. Sources have indicated that he was taken aback by the crowd’s reaction.

This is a team, after all, that has reached a World Cup semi-final and a European Championship final in the last four years. There was never any danger of Southgate leaving after that heavy defeat.

The seasoned appearance of Southgate’s 26-man side is another indication that he may go. This is a team with its sights set on instant success, not one with an eye to the future.

But it is clear that he is highly respected as an excellent coach and mentor by the England players.

Several CEOs have already checked Southgate’s potential availability before next year as rumors intensify. When Southgate decides his time with England is over, he won’t be short of opportunities.

Earlier this year, Southgate was contacted by a club asking him to visit one of their England internationals amid concerns about his behaviour. It is understood that the player’s conduct since that chat with Southgate has greatly improved. This shows exactly how much Southgate is valued in football circles.

Success on the field helps, of course. But Southgate’s humanity and ability to connect with people should not be underestimated. Southgate’s appeal is not limited to England either. There are several clubs abroad that are also closely watching the developments.

For now, however, he will put personal issues aside to focus on the collective.

Whatever happens, it will support you in making the right choice. Southgate’s time as England manager tells us that he rarely gets big decisions wrong.